September 25, 2007

Parents,

We recently received some great news at Nathan Hale High School.  The magnet grant that the district submitted to the federal government was approved.  Our magnet programs will be fully funded.  The grant will provide funds to pay for additional teaching allocations and needed equipment.  Plans for the kitchen facility, food labs, and a new fitness center are in the works and construction could begin as early as spring. 

OETA was at Hale on Monday and interviewed staff and students concerning the impact of these grants on the school and the opportunities these programs will provide for our students.  There are currently around 50 students enrolled in the magnet courses at Hale.  We expect that number to more than double next year. 

In addition to the magnet grant, we also received good news on our state test results.  Nathan Hale students raised their scores on the End of Instruction tests (EOI).  All student sub-groups showed improvement in the areas of reading and math.  In some cases scores rose as much as 200 points.  Teachers worked very hard last year to prepare our students for these tests and I would like to commend them for their hard work.  I would also like to thank the students who took these tests seriously and put their best effort forward. 

Finally, Assistant Principal, Jill Blackwelder deserves recognition for the job she did as testing coordinator.  Ms. Blackwelder spent hours planning and overseeing the administration of the tests as well as verifying student data.  We will continue to improve our academic scores this year and will focus on improving the graduation rate.  Nathan Hale is currently listed as a School in Need of Improvement due to not meeting the state’s graduation rate requirements.

For those of you who may not know, this week is Homecoming week.  Several activities such as spirit days and Pizza Wars have been planned.  The week will culminate with a homecoming assembly and pep assembly on Friday.  The game will begin at 7:30pm with the Rangers taking on the Buffalos of McAlester.  Prior to the game the Alumni, PTSA, and Quarterback Club will be hosting a tailgate party across the street from the stadium.  Festivities will begin around 6:00pm.  Come out and support the Rangers.

Chris H. Johnson
Principal